SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — Rice farmer cooperatives backed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) secured over P128 million in supply contracts under the Sagip Saka Act to boost local food security.
The contracts, facilitated through the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) program, will provide rice supplies for food assistance, subsidy, and social welfare programs in various provinces while ensuring stable markets and better income opportunities for organized farmer groups.
This initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to boost agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ incomes, and strengthen food systems by linking producers directly to institutional markets.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary for High Value Crops, Sagip Saka Act, and Intellectual Property
Joycel Panlilio said the law was created to expand market opportunities for farmer organizations by allowing national government agencies and local government units to directly procure agricultural products from accredited cooperatives and enterprises.
“This creates market opportunities for local producers while supporting rural livelihoods,” she added.
In Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, three RiceBIS cooperatives-Batitang Agriculture Cooperative, Pinagbuklod ng Adhika Multipurpose Cooperative, and Zaragoza People’s Agriculture Cooperative—secured a combined P5-million contract with the municipal government to supply 10-kilogram bags of well-milled rice beginning in June.
The agreement provides participating farmers with a guaranteed market while supporting local food security initiatives.
Philippine Rice Research Institute stations undergo Food Safety Compliance Officers’ Training. The initiative aims to help cooperatives secure necessary permits to protect their operations and expand their market reach. (PhilRice)
Meanwhile, in Balanga City, Bataan, the Cupang West Multi-Purpose Cooperative was awarded a P17-million contract to supply rice for the city’s subsidy program benefiting senior citizens in 25 barangays.
Part of the rice requirement will be sourced from the Greater Bani Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a RiceBIS partner cooperative that will provide 8,500 packs of 10-kilogram rice, including NSIC Rc 218, a PhilRice-developed variety that earned a Silver Award in the World’s Best Rice competition.
Farmer organizations in other regions also benefited from the program.
The Avanceña Beneficiaries and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte secured a P12.99-million contract to supply rice for the city’s food program from May to October.
In Southern Luzon, the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative obtained a P27-million contract to supply 45,000 bags of 10-kilogram well-milled rice in Batangas and another P73-million contract in Imus City, Cavite for rice distribution to indigent families from July to December.
Additional Sagip Saka contracts worth about P5 million each were also secured by the Sariaya Farmers’ Federation in Quezon and the Pangkalahatang Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Siniloan in Laguna.
PhilRice Executive Director John de Leon said the contracts demonstrate how stronger farmer organizations and market linkages can translate into tangible economic gains for farming communities.
“The Sagip Saka Act is opening doors for our farmer cooperatives to become reliable suppliers for government feeding and food assistance programs. Through RiceBIS, we are helping strengthen their capacity not only to produce quality rice, but also to consolidate supply, meet procurement standards, and compete in larger institutional markets,” De Leon emphasized.
As the government continues to pursue inclusive agricultural development, initiatives such as these are helping empower farmer cooperatives, improve rural livelihoods, and ensure a more resilient and sustainable food supply system for Filipino communities. (CLJD/CNG, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
